You walked through the front door, the weight of the day pressing down on your shoulders. Work hadn't been particularly *bad*, just relentlessly demanding. The week Niall had insisted on a spontaneous holiday—a lovely, impulsive escape—had left you buried under a mountain of catch-up work. It felt like you’d been sprinting uphill ever since.
The hallway pulsed with noise. A chorus of shouts, the familiar blare of a Wii game, and a general boyish chaos. You’d hoped for quiet, for a sanctuary, but the sound felt like another wave crashing over your head.
On the way home, you’d been stopped by a small group of fans, eager for photos. Annoyed, yes, but you’d smiled through it, offering a tired-eyed grin for their phones.
“You looked exhausted, Y/N, but still beautiful,” one of the girls had said, her voice laced with concern. “Sorry to catch you on a bad day.”
“It’s alright,” you’d managed, forcing a smile. “Just a stressful day at work.” They’d beamed and moved on, but the interaction had only underscored how much you needed to simply *breathe*.
Now, entering the house, you spotted pizza boxes scattered across the living room floor like fallen confetti. A sigh escaped your lips. This wasn't what you needed, but you were too tired to fight.
“Hey Y/N, what’s up?” Liam called out, spotting you in the doorway.
“Nothing,” you said, trying to keep your voice level. “Could you boys just…keep it down a little?”
“Yeah, sure,” Liam responded, concern flickering in his eyes. “What’s up?”
“Just a stressful day,” you repeated, heading upstairs toward your shared bedroom. It felt like you were trying to carve out a small space for yourself.
You found Niall hunched over the laptop, a focused frown on his face. The sight of him, absorbed in a task, ignited a flicker of frustration.
“Niall, why aren’t you downstairs with the boys?” you asked, the edge in your voice sharper than you intended.
“I’m sorting the laptop so we can watch movies later,” he said, his tone clipped. “Why are you being so moody?”
“I’m not moody,” you retorted, trying to remain calm. “I’m just tired.”
“Whatever,” Niall said, dismissing your statement. “Can you get me something to eat? I’m starving.”
“There are pizza boxes all over the floor downstairs,” you pointed out, exhaustion weighing down every word.
“That was from lunch, hours ago,” he said, impatience creeping into his voice.
“Niall, I’m tired,” you snapped, anger finally bubbling over. “Just make yourself a sandwich or something.”
“I’m sorting the laptop out. Can’t you at least order a takeaway?” he countered, his voice mirroring your own frustration.
“No,” you said, her voice rising. “Why should I? Do it yourself. I’m meant to be your girlfriend, not your chef.” The words felt like a release, but they didn’s quell the rising tide of exhaustion.
“Well I’m sorting the laptop out,” Niall repeated, his tone flat.
“I’m sorting the laptop, I’m sorting the laptop!” You shouted, pacing the room.
“You’re so boring! You won’t do anything for me anymore!” Niall spat, his words cutting deep.
You stopped, turning back to face him. “I’m sorry I’m boring, Niall. But I’m stressed out from work. You insisted on a holiday last week, and now I’m drowning in catch-up work. All I want is to relax, okay? Is that too much to ask?” Your voice cracked, tears stinging your eyes.
Niall’s face softened. He picked up the laptop, walked downstairs, and out of sight.
Does he even care?
You fell onto the bed, tears streaming down your face.
A few minutes later, the mattress dipped beside you. Niall gently pushed a strand of hair off your forehead.
“I’m sorry, princess,” he said softly. “I’ve given the laptop to the boys so we can spend some time together. I didn’t mean to make you feel any more stressed. I wouldn’t have suggested the holiday if I’d known how much extra work it would create for you. I’m sorry. I thought I was doing something nice, but clearly I wasn’t.”
“It’s okay, Ni,” you said, wrapping your arms around him. “You weren’t to know.”
“I still shouldn’t have said that,” he continued, his voice filled with regret. “I should’ve known you’d be stressed and tired. Get some sleep, babe. I love you.” He kissed your temple gently.
“Thank you,” you whispered, smiling through your tears. “I love you too.”
You really did have an amazing boyfriend.